Mixed news for the Tomkins brothers.
WIGAN have made Sam Tomkins the highest-paid player in rugby league.
The talented full-back, 22, has penned a contract extension with the club until 2016.
And Tomkins - one of the hottest prospects in both rugby codes - is guaranteed to spend a minimum of three years at the Warriors.
He was linked with lucrative moves to union and Australia's NRL but he has chosen to stay at the DW Stadium.
Tomkins said: "I made it clear I want to play for Wigan and no-one else."
Forwards Sam Burgess and Gareth Ellis have both proved big hits in the NRL after leaving Super League.
Fellow England ace Tomkins would have been one of the star attractions for any club that managed to lure him away.
He has already given the Australians a glimpse of his ability as he impressed for England at Wembley on Saturday.
Despite losing 20-36, Tomkins was a real stand-out player with a hand in two of England's tries.
Meanwhile, Tomkins' brother Joel has sealed a £250,000 cross-code switch to Saracens.
The move will see a partnership form between Sarries and Wigan with a joint-code match on the cards
It will also help coaches, staff and backroom teams develop new ideas as they work together.
It will be interesting to see what this working together means .
Tomkins Brothers.
posted on 7/11/11
Sorry to see Joel go. but delighted to have kept Sam in Rugby League. I still think that Sam will play in the one day and Joel will return to Rugby League sooner rather than later.
posted on 7/11/11
There will be some very disappointed South's supporters on hearing this news because Tomkins was pencilled in for 2013 for sure.
One comment in your article has me scratching my melon theowdun.....if Tomkins has signed until the end of 2016 how come he is only certain to stay until season ending 2014...how does this work olé mate....
posted on 7/11/11
Souths I know what you are saying,I have been watching this develop all day and the 2016 thing coupled with the gaurantee to stay 3 years had me scratching my head.
So I went out and had a couple of pints to clear my head and came home to see what the latest news was.
Below you will find the latest straight from the official Wigan site.
" Wigan Warriors confirm that England International Full Back Sam Tomkins has reiterated his commitment to Rugby League and the Wigan Club by agreeing a new improved Five Year Contract.
The new deal will cover Seasons 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 and includes an assurance that the player will not speak to either Rugby Union nor the NRL during a defined period of the term (Three Years) .
Speaking about the news Wigan Owner and Chairman Ian Lenagan said:
"We are thrilled that we have reached an agreement with Sam for his long term future. The new contract will rightly make Sam one of the highest paid players in the Club's History in recognition of his outstanding talents which he has demonstrated at both Club and International level.
"It shows the strength of the sport and the Wigan Club that we are able to invest in such an exceptional player within the Salary Cap. I am fully aware of Rugby Union's interest in Sam, however it gives me great pride that we are able to retain and reward one of the Sports brightest talents. I am also confident that for the right person we are able to offer a more attractive package than any other Club in either code. "
Sam Tomkins added:
"I am delighted to have agreed this new contract with the Wigan Club and that my long term future is assured. Playing for Wigan means everything to me having come through the Academy and Reserve Grades. Being a part of the Grand Final success last year and Challenge Cup victory this season are the highlights of my career so far. I am extremely excited with what the future holds under new Head Coach Shaun Wane and am looking forward to what the next five years will bring both for me as a player and for the Wigan Club"
The way I read this Souths is that he cant get involved in any sneaky approaches from RU or the NRL for the next 3 years.
Cheers
posted on 7/11/11
It also seems that changes are being made to the RL salery cap,partially explained by this snippet from the Telegraph.
"Meanwhile, Lenagan revealed Wigan have taken advantage of amendments to the Super League salary cap to help keep Sam Tomkins in the game.
The Rugby Football League are sticking with a £1.7million ceiling but clubs are to be given permission to make allowances for long-serving, marquee and home-grown players in an effort to prevent a drain of talent to Australia and the 15-man code".
It will have to be monitered very firmly otherwise it could be open to abuse.
posted on 7/11/11
excellent news that the best english player stays in england and also i follow wigan in rugby league
posted on 8/11/11
Since this news or Tomkins re-signing broke apparantly South's (Maguire) will now be putting all there attention into signing Thomas Leuluai for 2013.
A lot will depend on how our young halfback goes this season more then likely, Reynolds is un-tried at this level but has all the credentials to be a top class No.7 so if he matures quickly enough South's may abort any chase for a ready made half........personally I would love to see Leuluai inside Sutton, Inglis and Matt King with Merrit chimming in from fullback....